>>>JJ Watt joked that “commercials only pay so much,” and delivered his strongest message yet that he wants a new contract extension. Watt, after the first of three days of practice against the Broncos, said it would be nice to be appreciated as other 2011 draft picks have been recently, referring to lucrative contract extensions given to Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson and Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith.

>>>The Texans had several key players who missed Saturday’s game back at practice Tuesday, including Johnathan Joseph, Andre Johnson, Duane Brown, Mike Thomas and Brian Cushing. “I did a little bit of every single period,” Cushing said. “This will be a good week to gauge where I am.”

Cushing hasn’t played since he broke his leg and tore his lateral collateral ligament in October.

He skipped the entire preseason in 2009 too due to a knee injury but went on to record 134 tackles and win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. “I could probably play in the first game without doing in (playing in the preseason), but at the same time it’s a new scheme, a new system. I’d like to get as many reps as I can,” Cushing said.

>>>Chris Myers did not practice at all on Tuesday. “Just a day off,” said Bill O’Brien. With Myers sidelined, undrafted rookie James Ferentz took most of the snaps with the first team. Ferentz played every snap in Saturday’s 32-7 win over the Falcons.

During Tuesday’s practice in Denver, Ben Jones slid over from his position at left guard at times, with Alex Kupper filling in at guard.

>>>Arian Foster showed off fresh legs in the mountain air of Denver. Foster, who hasn’t played or practiced much due to hamstring issues, worked strictly with the first team Tuesday. He looked especially impressive catching passes out of the backfield and lined up as a split end.

Jonathan Grimes, who started each of the first two preseason games, rotated in for Foster on about half of the plays with the first team offense.

Robert joined the SportsRadio 610 team as Sports Director in 2008 after spending 16 years with KTRH Radio in Houston. He covers the Texans, Astros and Rockets on a daily basis, providing updates on local and national sports news at the top and bottom...